Weekend marks arrival of Critical Days

  • Published
  • By Gary Ash
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Safety, Safety and Occupational Health Specialist
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  From Memorial Day through Labor Day, many of us will enjoy summer picnics, recreational water activities and long vacation drives. For more than 30 years, the Air Force has recognized these as the Critical Days of Summer. For many who have been around a few years, we remember it as the 101 Critical Days due to the approximate number of days between the two seasonal holidays. The days are critical because many people, including Airmen and other DoD personnel, lose their lives while enjoying summertime fun. This year, the Air Force and Air Mobility Command are highlighting the campaign as Safe 'n Sound All Year Round.

Each year, private motor vehicle accidents and water-related pastimes have taken their toll on Air Force people and their families. To make matters worse, most of the losses suffered throughout the years were preventable. This year is no exception. Vehicle related deaths are on the rise. Our first weekly focus this summer is called, "On the Road Again." It should be no surprise, this is where America loses more lives each year than combat.

Please be careful in any activity you do. Remember the new Risk Management five step process: identify hazards, assess hazards, develop controls and make decisions, implement controls and supervise and evaluate. Prior to doing an activity, think each step through before you dive in.

Awareness. If you are aware of the hazards, try a little harder to avoid it. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends you are more likely to be exposed to greater outdoor dangers than any other time of year. This shouldn't be news to you. When it's warm out, we go out and so does everybody else.

So, before you go out on the flightline, crank up the lawn mower or weed eater or head out on that family vacation you've been planning all year, stop and think about the challenges ahead. Use RM. If you do the task or activity correctly while performing it, you can come back to do it another day.

Enjoy the upcoming summer months. Just keep in mind, the Critical Days of Summer are serious business. Being aware of this is the best way to take them on. Active duty personnel and DoD civilian employees are encouraged to ask your Unit Safety Representative about the latest safety-related subjects located in the base SharePoint.

The Wing Safety SharePoint site has the three disciplines. Look for the Ground Safety tab and you'll be able to find the 14 weekly Critical Days chapters on the right. Your wingman actions can go a long way this summer in saving a life. Have a great summer and as always, be safe.